Gov. Josh Stein calls on NC lawmakers to return for special session to fund Medicaid

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Gov. Josh Stein is calling on lawmakers in North Carolina to come back to Raleigh for a special session and fully fund Medicaid.

Stein was in Raleigh on Thursday where he said North Carolina residents will suffer if the General Assembly does not allocate more money for Medicaid.

State legislators do not plan to be back in voting sessions until 2026, which means they would not pass anything until then. Stein said that’s unacceptable and he wants them to come back this month to pass a bill.

“The members of the General Assembly have had six months to take action and solve this problem, but they have failed,” Stein said. “They have failed North Carolina. They have failed the people of North Carolina. Now, they have packed up and left town ostensibly until next year. It is shameful.”

Several Democrats have said they support coming back for a special session.

In a statement, state Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch said, “Senate Democrats have been ready to govern from day one in order to pass a responsible budget that invests in working families. But instead of doing their jobs, [state Senate President] Phil Berger and Senate Republicans have chosen months of delay and dysfunction.

“The governor’s call to action is a chance for them to finally show up and do the bare minimum: keep Medicaid funded and our communities cared for,” she continued in her statement.

House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said in a statement, “I applaud Gov. Stein’s call for the General Assembly to return for a special session to fund Medicaid in North Carolina. North Carolinians are hurting right now because of cuts to Medicaid that were entirely preventable. The North Carolina House, Senate Democrats and Governor Stein are all willing to negotiate and ensure this problem gets solved. Senate Republican Leadership can break this logjam by coming to the table.”

CBS 17 has asked leadership in the state House and the Senate about considering a special session to fund Medicaid and is waiting to hear back.

Republicans, who lead both chambers and control whether lawmakers come back for voting sessions, have said Medicaid has funding until next year.

In North Carolina, the governor has the power to call a special session and bring lawmakers back to Raleigh. Lawmakers may go into session and adjourn.